Visiting hours

Call the Hines VA Hospital for specific ward visiting hours and information: 708-202-8387

Updated Visitation Guidance | Dec. 1, 2022

Effective Dec. 1, 2022, Hines VA will allow up to two visitors per day for a maximum of two hours. Inpatient visitors under 14 years of age must be supervised by an adult who is not the patient. Four-hour visits are permitted for CLC residents.

Visitation is not allowed for Veterans receiving inpatient mental health care. Patients with COVID-19 may not receive visitors unless under specific circumstances as determined by a physician. End of Life-visiting exceptions are allowed at the clinical team's discretion. 

Department visitation guidance may vary based on specific unit requirements. Please consult with the individual department for any further needs or limitations. 

All guests must be screened for COVID-19 and wear a medical-grade facemask while inside the facility. Medical-grade masks are available at all entrances for those in need. Social distancing and hand sanitization throughout the facility is required. Vaccination and outdoor masking are strongly encouraged. 

Visitation policy per unit as of Dec. 1, 2022

Visitation may change based on unit requirements and may not be reflected on this page. Please check with the specific unit for current policies.  

ICU, 7W, 7E, 8th Floor, 9W, Observation Unit

• Up to two (2) visitors per day, per Veteran inpatient.
• Visit duration may be up to two (2) hours – dependent on patient tolerance and/or per recommendations as monitored by assigned Healthcare Professional.
• Visiting hours are 0800-2000.
• Veterans who are admitted to the inpatient unit between 2000-0745 may have one (1) visitor who is allowed a 20-minute visit to support the admission process, and then may return during the next normal visitation period.
• Virtual visits can be coordinated between staff and family.

Mental Health

• No visitation unless pre-arranged by intradisciplinary team on a case-by-case basis.
• Virtual visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.

Emergency Department

• Up to two (2) visitors per Veteran are permitted in the ED, including waiting areas, as space allows.
• COVID positive patients will not be granted a visitor unless an essential caretaker is deemed necessary by clinical staff.

COVID Patients (any inpatient visit)

• In-person visitation only for those who may be imminently dying (e.g., EOL care).
• Any visitor wishing to visit a COVID + patient must agree to properly wear full PPE as demonstrated by appropriate clinical staff. Vaccination is encouraged. Proof of vaccination may be requested.
• Recommended one visit, per length of stay. Frequency and duration to be discussed with the assigned care team based on Veteran’s need and Life Sustaining Treatments.
• Virtual visits are preferred and coordinated between staff and family.

Community Living Center (CLC)

• (CLC is obligated to have special rules as per VACO guidance which varies with the degree of COVID in the community & the Facility)
• Up to two (2) visitors per Veteran, at any one time.
• Visit duration may be up to four (4) hours – dependent on patient tolerance and/or per recommendations as monitored by assigned Healthcare Professional.
• Visit must occur in private room (or double room but staggered so only one Veteran is present during the visit), dining room or on patio.
• Visitors must wear appropriate PPE (cough mask and face shield).
• Visiting hours are 0800-2000.
• Outdoor visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.
• CLC rules are special as per VACO guidance and may require rapid change as circumstances evolve.
• Restrictions on visits by children may differ with outside visitation.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

• Up to two (2) visitors per Veteran, at any one time.
• Visit duration may be up to two (2) hours – dependent on patient tolerance and/or per recommendations as monitored by assigned Healthcare Professional.
• Visit must occur in private room (or double room but staggered so only one Veteran is present during the visit), dining room or on patio.
• Visitors must wear appropriate PPE (cough mask and face shield).
• Visiting hours are 0800-2000.
• Outdoor visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.

Outpatient

• One (1) escort as necessary to support goals of the visit (essential caretaker).
• Infants & children under age 12 years of age accompanying visits are discouraged unless there is no alternative possible and must preferably remain in the presence of the Veteran or be supervised at all times by an adult who is not the patient.
• It is the goal that no Veteran be denied care based upon the presence of a child.

End of Life/Imminently Dying (non-COVID)

• Up to two (2) visitors per Veteran, at any one time. Only one person authorized for an overnight stay.
• End of Life visiting exceptions are allowed and supported, at the clinical discretion of the clinical team. This includes access by clergy members, even outside regular visiting hours.

COVID-19 vaccines and Boosters

All Veterans, spouses and caregivers can get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster at VA by appointment or walk-in clinic. Visit our vaccine information page.

Blind Rehabilitation Center 

• Up to two (2) visitors per day, per Veteran inpatient.
• Visit duration may be up to two (2) hours – dependent on patient tolerance and/or per recommendations as monitored by assigned Healthcare Professional.

Bringing food

You may bring small amounts of candy, fruit, and other food items if the nursing staff says they are appropriate for a patient's diet. You may not bring fresh fruit and flowers to patients who are receiving critical care, and you can’t eat or drink in those units.

Washing hands

You must follow hand-hygiene policy guidelines, which require you to practice good hand hygiene when you enter and exit patient rooms, and at other times as directed by staff.

Following infection-control guidelines

You must follow guidelines on infection-control signs and report to the nurses' station for instructions before you enter a patient's room.

Staying home if you are ill

If you have a communicable disease, you won't be allowed to visit patients inside the medical center.

Prohibited items

You're not allowed to bring weapons, cameras, or other prohibited items into the medical center, except when you're conducting official business authorized by the Director or their designee. If you have questions about what qualifies as official business, please contact the facility's Director.

Giving privacy

Our staff may ask you to leave the room when they’re caring for patients. If a staff member asks you to leave a patient's room, you may continue your visit in the day room, waiting area, or any other public area of the facility.

Visiting seriously ill patients

Relatives and friends may visit patients who are seriously ill or in hospice care at any time of day, unless the staff doctor says no. Speak to the patient's medical providers for additional details. 

Visiting patients in restraints

In general, you won't be allowed to visit patients who are in restraints. If the treatment team decides that your visit could have a positive effect on the patient, then you may have a supervised visit with the patient when a staff member removes the restraints. Our staff will document how the patient responds to you and other visitors.

Limiting your visit

Our doctors may limit, restrict, or deny visits for the medical well-being of a patient.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Prohibited items

You can't bring weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs into the building.  Because the VA medical center is federal property, all visitors and bags may be searched.